Early English

1. Often used vaguely, eg for early Middle English or for Middle and early Modern English
2. The form of Gothic architecture in which the pointed arch was first employed in Britain, succeeding the Norman towards the end of the 12c and merging into the Decorated at the end of the 13c (Early-English adjective)

in plain English

In clear, simple language

little Englander

1. A 19c British opponent of British imperialism and empire-building
2. A late-20c or early-21c British supporter of the view that Britain should retain its individual national identity rather than become part of a more integrated Europe

little Englanderism or Englandism

Middle English

The English used in Britain from about 1100 or 1150AD until about 1500

Modern English

The English used in Britain from about 1500 onwards

Old English

1. A kind of black-letter typeface (printing)
2. The English language up to about 1100 or 1150AD (formerly, and still popularly, called Anglo-Saxon)

presentment of Englishry (historical)

The offering of proof that a person murdered belonged to the English race, to escape the fine levied on the hundred or township for the murder of a Norman

Young England see under young

early /ûrˈli/

adverb (earˈlier; earˈliest)

1. Before the appointed time
2. Near the beginning (of a time, period or series)
3. Soon
4. In good time
5. Beforehand

adjective

1. Ready, advanced, awake or on the spot in good time
2. Belonging to or happening in the first part of a time, period or series
3. Belonging to or happening in the first stages of development
4. Beforehand
5. Happening in the remote past or near future
6. (of temperatures, figures, etc) low

noun

1. (usu in pl) an early potato (horticulture)
2. (in pl) early shifts (informal)

earˈlierize or earˈlierise transitive verb

To do at a date earlier than that arranged

earˈliness noun

early bird noun

1. The proverbial catcher of the (early) worm
2. An early riser
3. A person who arrives early
4. (with caps) a name given to a type of communications satellite

early blight see potato blight under potato

early-closˈing adjective

early day motion noun

A parliamentary motion for consideration on a day when business finishes early, ie (as such days rarely exist) merely to draw attention to a matter

early door noun

An entrance to a theatre or hall open before the ordinary door at a higher price (see also early doors below)

Early English see under English

early music noun

Classical European music up to about 1700, esp when performed in authentic style

early-Victorˈian adjective

Belonging to or characteristic of the early part of Queen Victoria's reign

early-warnˈing adjective

(also as two words) belonging to or part of an early warning system

early warning system noun

A system of advance warning or notice, esp of nuclear attack

early wood noun (botany)

The wood formed in the first part of a growth layer during the spring, typically with larger cells and thinner cell walls than the late wood

at the earliest

Not before (a specified time or date)

earlier on

Previously

early and late

At all times

early doors (slang)

At an early stage in the proceedings

early on

Before much time has elapsed

have an early night (informal)

To go to bed earlier than usual

(it's) early days (informal)

(it's) too soon to know, have a result, etc

keep early hours

To rise and go to bed early